Fort McMurray Todayhttps://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com
Tue, 14 Aug 2018 21:08:00 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8Nerdvana web series premieres Friday in Fort McMurrayhttps://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/news/local-news/nerdvana-web-series-premieres-friday-in-fort-mcmurray
https://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/news/local-news/nerdvana-web-series-premieres-friday-in-fort-mcmurray#respondTue, 14 Aug 2018 19:53:35 +0000https://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/news/local-news/nerdvana-web-series-premieres-friday-in-fort-mcmurrayAfter being in the works for three years, Nerdvana: The Web Series will premiere at the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts on Friday at 7 p.m.

The series revolves around the staff at a local comic book store, “Nerdvana,” who come face to face with their twin selves from an alternate universe.

The team get stuck in the alternate universe and have to find their way back to their world while fighting a familiar enemy.

Matt Salem, who is the marketing director for the series, said the team is excited to present something made within the local film community to the rest of Fort McMurray.

“We’re very excited to bring a piece of media coming out of Fort McMurray that doesn’t have anything to do with oil or the environment. Right away it’s something very new,” he said. “It’s just about people who are unexpected heroes.”

Apart from the showing, Salem said the event will also include merchandise on sale, props and costumes on display, a costume contest, giveaways and a stand-up performance by comedian Justin Shaw during the intermission.

The production of Nerdvana was helped by two funding grants from Storyhive by Telus. The first was for $10,000 for a pilot episode, which the team found out about on the day Fort McMurray was evacuated during the May 2016 wildfires.

After the success of the pilot episode, the team decided to apply for more funding from Storyhive. They were one of 25 projects granted $100,000 to help with the completion of the series.

The money really allowed the project to grow, said Salem, allowing the team to take care of legal fees and other financial aspects, as well as renting out an entire warehouse to film during the winter months.

“On top of that, we were able to order tons of really nice costumes out of Calgary,” he said. “We were all able to take time off of our jobs because we all have real, full-time jobs.”

After working for three years on the project, Salem said he is both nervous and excited about the upcoming premiere.

“I’m just eager to get it out there and show the world that you don’t have to be a huge production company out of Hollywood or California to make something that you love,” said Salem.

Tickets for the premiere event will be available at the door.

The series will be available on Telus TV and YouTube starting August 20.

Health Minister Sarah Hoffman confirmed the news during a June interview, arguing it was important to show health care providers that the province will support efforts to expand access to abortion in Alberta.

Fort McMurray is one of five communities where Alberta Health Services is discussing expanding abortion access into local hospitals. The other communities include Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie and Red Deer.

“Right now, it’s really in the stage where we’re letting health providers know that we respect them if they want to do this work,” said Hoffman. “We’re going to have their backs and we’re going to find ways to help expand this service.”

Currently, surgical abortion services in Alberta are only available in Edmonton at the Women’s Health Options Clinic and in Calgary at Peter Lougheed Hospital and the Kensington Clinic.

Although they did not mention any specific numbers, a spokesperson with Alberta Health confirmed that they have had requests from women reaching out to them from the Wood Buffalo area regarding services becoming more available.

Protesters took to the streets at the Franklin Avenue and Hospital Street intersection Thursday in support of anti-abortion legislation and the March for Life, a national pro-life movement. Fort McMurray. Thursday, May 9, 2013. JORDAN THOMPSON/Fort McMurray Today/Postmedia Network

Debate on local abortion access goes back to 1984

This is not the first time bringing abortion access to the Wood Buffalo region has been discussed.

In 1984, trustees of the hospital’s former health board voted against creating a therapeutic abortion clinic locally.

In a Today article published June 22, 1984, 57 per cent of 801 local residents surveyed by the hospital board said they supported the service.

The Today also reported that a survey of 30 local physicians found 16 supported the service, 11 opposed and three would not comment. About 60 per cent of hospital staff supported the service.

But of 5,113 written submissions sent to the board, 90 per cent opposed bringing abortion services to Fort McMurray.

In 2010, Premier Rachel Notley, who was an opposition MLA at the time, suggested the province fund more abortion clinics in rural areas. She named Fort McMurray as an example of an underserved area.

A man parks on the side of Highway 2 south of the Town of Athabasca and prepares to clean the graffiti off an anti-abortion sign on August 8, 2016. The sign was vandalized frequently before it was removed earlier this summer. Photo courtesy Allendria Brunjes/Athabasca Advocate

Rural abortion access critical: Hoffman

Expanding health care capabilities is a major demand in every rural community in Alberta, as is attracting and retaining doctors, nurses and specialists.

Hoffman said access to abortion services is just as valid as other health care capabilities for rural communities.

“It’s great that we have the two clinics that we do and some services at the Lougheed in Calgary as well, but Alberta’s much bigger than Edmonton and Calgary,” said Hoffman.

Celia Posyniak, clinic director of the Kensington Clinic, said she’s heard from plenty of women concerned with abortion access in Alberta the clinic began operating in 1991.

“I’m sure physicians have other concerns, but over the years generally I think the one concern I have heard from physicians is that there is protestors appearing on their doorsteps, targeting their homes, which they will do,” she said.

Hoffman says a major reason the province is now looking at expanding the service is because of the successful passing of Bill 9 in April.

The bill includes a ban on protesting within 50 metres of a clinic’s “access zones” and prohibits filming and recording a patient.

Hoffman says it should alleviate any security and safety concerns for staff and patients, she said.

Since the bill was passed, Posyniak said she has not seen any protesters outside the clinic.

Posyniak says she recognizes that for many women and potential providers, abortion services carry a societal stigma and fears of negative attention.

EDMONTON, ALBERTA, MARCH 3, 2015: Dozens of Pro Choice UofA students came out to protest in front of graphic pictures set up in the Quad on Campus by Anti-Abortion protestors in Edmonton on Tuesday Mar. 3, 2015. Photo by John Lucas/Edmonton Journal

Rural women face extra hurdles

For women from rural communities, the costs of traveling long distances and taking time off work are extra hurdles for anyone seeking any medical procedure outside their home communities. For abortion services, Posyniak said someone must accompany them.

“Closer to home would definitely make a big difference to a lot of those women who are already struggling,” said Hoffman.

“Once they’ve made up their mind that they want to access an abortion than that’s the choice that they’ve made for themselves,” she said. “Trying to reduce some of those barriers between them making the choice and them accessing the health care service reflects the values of our premier and our government.”

Posyniak agrees that some women may chose to obtain services elsewhere, but thinks that many women would like to have a closer option.

Posyniak adds that while many women would welcome bringing the service outside Edmonton and Calgary, others may still want to leave their community because of privacy issues, and that logistical challenges such as recruiting and training staff would need to be considered.

“I don’t know what would be preventing anybody from providing it,” said Posyniak. “If a hospital provides (dilation and curettage), there’s no reason why they can’t provide an abortion. It’s the same procedure… It’s that simple.

The motion, which was proposed by McMurray Métis CEO Bill Loutitt, also called for support of a potential Indigenous ownership stake in the project. Out of 550 delegates representing Métis communities across Alberta at the Lac La Biche meeting, only one person opposed the motion.

Loutitt says the motion adds support to ongoing discussions Wood Buffalo’s Indigenous leaders have been having with provincial and federal leaders on a pipeline equity stake.

“With the adoption of this motion by the Métis Nation of Alberta, it will only strengthen our position during negotiations in the months ahead,” he said.

In April, the topic was first raised publicly by local chiefs and Métis presidents after they met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his visit to Fort McMurray.

While Trudeau has been silent on the issue publicly, Premier Rachel Notley said during a May visit to Fort McMurray that their interest was an encouraging sign for oilsands development. Opposition and United Conservative Party Leader Jason Kenney also commended the proposal.

In June, it was announced those same leaders had sent letters pitching the idea to Notley and Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau on the issue.

“A lot of times, it might not be a bad project it’s just a bad proponent and a bad operator,” said McKay Métis president Ron Quintal at the time. “Ultimately, if Indigenous groups begin an investment in this and have some controls in how the project is developed, I think that tension will ease.”

The project is still in the idea phase, but the letters request the three levels of government begin discussions on how to move forward on the project.

Loutitt says he raised the motion after Chief Archie Waquan of the Mikisew Cree First Nation based in Fort Chipewyan was unable to attend and make a presentation on the project.

“The support changed the tone in the meeting. There was some other resolutions that got unanimous support after,” said Loutitt. “It is something that can pull us all together. People need to work and they need everybody to be in agreement. That includes Métis and having the MNA involved.”

Company documents also estimate construction will not be completed until Dec. 2021, exactly one year past the original projection.

“The Métis of Alberta are working together to provide a better future for our children and grandchildren,” said Audrey Poitras, MNA president. “Solid economic investment, including pipelines like the Trans Mountain is the right way to go.”

According to the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team, the man was arrested outside an Eagle Ridge business on Aug. 8, where they say they discovered $2,200 in cash and drugs.

After searching the man and his vehicle, officers say they seized 16 grams of cocaine, four grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 20 Oxycodone tablets and $380 cash proceeds of crime.

ALERT spokesperson Glenn Cook said the Eagle Ridge business had nothing to do with the police investigation or any other alleged criminal activities.

He also added the investigation was unrelated to recent drug trafficking investigations within Wood Buffalo.

Duncan McLeod, 22, has been charged with two charges each of trafficking a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

He is also charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.

McLeod was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in provincial court in Fort McMurray on Aug. 28.

Anyone with information on local drug, gang or any other criminal activity is asked to contact Wood Buffalo RCMP at 780-788-4040. Anonymous tips can also be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

vmcdermott@postmedia.com

]]>https://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/news/local-news/police-seize-2200-in-drugs-cash-in-investigation/feed0Volunteers needed for Nominate Your Neighbour programhttps://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/opinion/columnists/volunteers-needed-for-nominate-your-neighbour-program
https://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/opinion/columnists/volunteers-needed-for-nominate-your-neighbour-program#respondSun, 12 Aug 2018 19:15:47 +0000https://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/opinion/columnists/volunteers-needed-for-nominate-your-neighbour-programThe Wood Buffalo Communities in Bloom (CiB) program is looking for residents to volunteer for the final week of the summer edition of Nominate Your Neighbour (NYN).

“The NYN program is a great way for residents to recognize, and say thank you, to those who beautify our neighbourhoods,” said Seville Kwan, beautification coordinator at the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB). “Beautification is one of many ways to build civic pride and create a sense of community.”

Interested volunteers have until next week to take part in the NYN program, as it ends on August 15.

Volunteer duties involve greeting the nominated neighbour with a recognition package, which includes a ‘Wood Buffalo Communities in Bloom’ sign for their lawn and a certificate of congratulations.

The volunteer must ask permission to take a landscape photo of their neighbour’s lawn and collect their contact information. All of the information required can be filled out online at www.rmwb.ca/nyn.

Also, residents can easily nominate online and have a volunteer deliver a nomination package to their door, as Kwan explains.

”When submitting the nomination online, nominators can also leave a message to the resident,” said Kwan. ”Once the submission is received, a Wood Buffalo CiB volunteer will drop off a package to the nominated home. The resident is always surprised and thrilled they have been recognized.”

The NYN program takes place twice a year during the summer and winter season. Last year, the winter program highlighted 57 decorated holiday homes, which were also featured in a self-guided tour called the ‘Lights of Wood Buffalo’.

Once again, the summer program teamed up with Scotts Canada’s Miracle-Gro for the Best Garden selection program.

The ‘Best Garden’ will receive a Miracle-Gro gift package and have their photos featured on the National Communities in Bloom and Miracle-Gro media platforms.

CiB is a national non-profit organization with programs run through municipalities across Canada. The program’s purpose is to highlight civic pride through community beautification and enhance green spaces in communities.

Every year, CiB judges come to the Wood Buffalo region as part of the Canada-wide judging process. Kwan explained how the RMWB is participating in the 2018 National Edition of Communities in Bloom in the Class of Champions.

This is a large category of the competition, where the RMWB competes against Coquitlam, Edmonton and Sarnia.

The two national judges – Evelyn Alemanni from Elfin Forest, Cali. and Jim Baird from Rothesay, N.B. – visited the region from July 29 to July 31 to evaluate the community’s overall beautification. There are six criteria judged on, which include: tidiness, urban forestry, floral displays, environmental action, heritage conservation and landscape.

“Evelyn and Jim visited various locations throughout the region and spoke to various community members about how they contribute to community beautification,” said Kwan.

The RMWB has received multiple awards in the past for the competition. This year’s National and International results will be announced in Strathcona Country from September 26 to September 29 during the Symposium and Awards Ceremonies. In 2020, the award ceremonies will be hosted in the RMWB.

“Whether it’s a manicured landscaped lawn or a vibrant floral display, the Communities in Bloom program is looking to recognize everyone for their contributions to community beautification,” said Kwan.

The Essential Piece is an exclusive weekly column for the Fort McMurray Today focused on community volunteerism by local freelance journalist Dawn Booth. If you have a story pitch on volunteering or would like to see a volunteer featured, contact Booth at dawn@mediabooth.net.

]]>https://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/opinion/columnists/volunteers-needed-for-nominate-your-neighbour-program/feed0Lawsuit filed by family of man allegedly run over and killed by speeding RCMP cruiserhttps://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/news/local-news/lawsuit-filed-by-family-of-man-allegedly-run-over-and-killed-by-speeding-rcmp-cruiser
https://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/news/local-news/lawsuit-filed-by-family-of-man-allegedly-run-over-and-killed-by-speeding-rcmp-cruiser#respondSun, 12 Aug 2018 19:01:06 +0000https://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/news/local-news/lawsuit-filed-by-family-of-man-allegedly-run-over-and-killed-by-speeding-rcmp-cruiserThe family of a northern Alberta man killed after allegedly being run over by an officer speeding in an RCMP vehicle has filed a lawsuit against the Mounties.

Tracy Janvier’s parents and three children named the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the officer charged with dangerous driving in Janvier’s death as defendants in the statement of claim for $909,000 filed in the Court of Queen’s Bench in Edmonton on July 27.

The statement of claim also names the federal government and the driver of the vehicle who initially struck Janvier as defendants. That driver is not facing any criminal charges, according to court records.

None of the allegations in the statement of claim have been proven in court and, as of Thursday, none of the defendants had filed statements of defence.

“While responding at an extremely high rate of speed, the officer came upon a number of vehicles stopped on one side of the highway with their lights on and proceeded to drive past these vehicles without slowing,” the report reads.

ASIRT alleges the RCMP vehicle ran over Janvier, killing him and seriously injuring the hand of a 71-year-old man who was trying to help Janvier.

Following the investigation, Wood Buffalo RCMP Const. Michelle Phillips was charged and pleaded not guilty to one count each of dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

She is next expected to appear in court for a pre-trial conference in Fort McMurray in December. Her trial is scheduled for April 2019.

At the time of the incident, Phillips had about one year of service with the RCMP. When charges were laid, police said she was suspended with pay and was to remain off-duty pending resolution of internal processes and criminal charges against her.

The claim makes a long list of allegations about the drivers of both vehicles that struck Janvier, including that they were being operated in a careless or reckless manner and travelling at unsafe speeds.

The damages sought by Janvier’s children and parents are for “emotional and nervous shock,” as well as for “grief and loss of love, guidance, support, assistance and companionship.”

The lawyer representing Janvier’s family declined to comment on the claim.

“We’re going to allow the court process to run its course and, unfortunately, we’re not able to be in a position to comment on this,” lawyer Michael Hoosein said in a telephone message Friday.

]]>https://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/news/local-news/lawsuit-filed-by-family-of-man-allegedly-run-over-and-killed-by-speeding-rcmp-cruiser/feed0Unemployment rates fall in Wood Buffalo regionhttps://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/news/local-news/unemployment-rates-fall-in-wood-buffalo-region
https://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/news/local-news/unemployment-rates-fall-in-wood-buffalo-region#respondFri, 10 Aug 2018 20:07:45 +0000https://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/news/local-news/unemployment-rates-fall-in-wood-buffalo-regionThe unemployment rate in the census region covering Wood Buffalo has seen a decrease for the first time since March. July’s unemployment rate fell to 6.3 per cent from 6.5 per cent in June.

According to information released by Statistics Canada, the Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake region saw continuous drops in unemployment rates starting in July 2017, when it was at 7.4 per cent. Unemployment saw a slight increase between April and June, before dropping again last month.

Wood Buffalo’s unemployment is lower than the provincial average, which is at 6.6 per cent, but is above the national average, which sits at 5.9 per cent.

The employment sector covering mining, forestry, oil and gas has increased position by 500 in the region, but overall the region has seen a total decrease of 400 jobs since June.

In construction, the number of positions was down by 200 spots.

After losing 200 positions in the finance, insurance, real estates, rental and leasing industry in June, 200 positions were added to the industry in July.

The biggest drop seen from June was in the services-producing sector, which saw a loss of 1,100 positions.